How to make balloon curtains at home?
All you need is a piece of fabric large enough for your project, some materials, and your knowledge in sewing.
Suppose you are already tired of switching from colors to colors. Why not change designs?
I mean, your curtains may look perfectly ironed, but sometimes you wish that you could level up the look.
Let me give you a hint, why not make a balloon curtain instead?
Yes, that’s right! It’s a balloon curtain that we are making. Yippee!
Have you ever done a balloon curtain before?
Some of you may have an idea of what I’m talking about, but and there might be some that don’t.
So if you want to know more about sewing a balloon curtain, take your time to read through this article.
It will make your time worthwhile.
Balloon Curtains
Balloon curtains are not literally curtains where you will have to blow on them.
This is actually a type of curtain that can be considered as a shade or valance.
It has a puffy appearance when you roll them up. The soft rounds are created when you make the pleats.
Well, there are many types of balloon shades, but we’re going to focus on the making process.
Steps To Make Balloon Curtains At Home
So, how to make balloon curtains at home?
It is easy; you’ll have to follow some simple steps to get this project done.
Step #1. Prepare
Before anything else, make sure to prepare the necessary tools and materials to begin the project.
#1. Fabric
The very first thing that you’re going to need is your fabric.
Since we are making a balloon curtain, any fabric except hard ones is accepted.
I highly suggest using silk or faux silk to look at your balloon curtain if you want a smoother finish.
Any fabric with the same smoothness will also do.
#2. Sewing kit or machine
You may have a sewing machine at home, so make use of it.
It is both time-wise and works efficiently to use it.
But if you don’t have any, sewing by hand will do.
Prepare your sewing kit with the following materials present.
- Needle
- Thread
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Tailor’s chalk (pencil)
- Sewing pins
#3. Clothes iron
You are going to need this one to make the work neater.
This will also make your curtain get rid of those unnecessary wrinkles that could look unruly.
Step #2. Measure
Once you have everything you need, the next thing that we’re going to do is get the window’s measurement.
Could you take note of its width and length?
In width, it is up to you how full you want the curtains to be, but I recommend the 3 to 1 width.
The 3 to 1 width refers to the width of the curtain, trice the width of the window.
In measuring the length, do it from the rod to the desired length of the curtain.
Add 5 inches for the double hem and another 5 for the rod pocket.
Make sure that you have enough fabric for the project.
You can use old sheets or any available fabric that you already have.
This may save you bucks of curtain expense.
Step #3. Cut and sew
Once you have the necessary measurements, you can now cut the fabric according to these measurements.
Press the fabric with a clothes iron to make it easier to put the patterns.
Place it on a flat surface.
Take note each side must be hemmed or must be used with a serger.
This is to avoid the fabric from losing threads.
#1. Hemming
A double hem is an option.
You can do triple it, but it would probably affect your curtain’s round ballooning.
You may want to adjust your sewing machine’s stitching to a straight stitch into regular and change the thread according to the fabric’s dominant color.
When stitching the hems, make sure to stitch them near the inner folds.
This will make it look neater.
#2. Rod pocket
In sewing the rod pocket, ensure a half-inch fold along the top part edge of the fabric, then fold it according to the rod’s thickness.
If you have a rod with a diameter of 2 inches, make the rod pocket at least 3 inches wide.
Hold it in place using a sewing pin and sew it.
You may need to use eyelets for the rod pocket.
#3. Making the balloon
In making the balloon, here is a formula—total with of the curtain divided by the number of panels that you want.
The answer will lead to the gaps needed in sewing.
You will have to make use of your hand sewing skills or your sewing machine.
Mark the areas where the panels will be divided. Next is to sew it by hand using a single thread.
Start from the bottom and sew it with a 2 to 3 inches gap stitch.
That will serve as the base stitch for the columns.
Next is to pull the thread according to your desired balloon length.
Please do the same with the remaining columns and sew them permanently with a sewing machine.
Step #4. Hang
Finally, hang your curtains to the rod.
For best results, use an edge hook to keep the edges of the curtains in place.
It is best to use balloon curtains as valances in the living room or the bedroom where others may usually see them.
Conclusion
Now that you learn how to make balloon curtains at home, you can make one of your own.
If you plan to make these curtain hacks and DIY projects at home, make sure to study up sewing.
Sewing on your own may save you some time and money from getting professional help with this matter.